The Vertebrate SkeletonReynolds, Sidney H. (Sidney Hugh)
Science
The Vertebrate Skeleton
Reynolds, Sidney H. (Sidney Hugh)
Skeleton
In _Megatherium_ the general appearance of the skull is distinctly
sloth-like, but the facial portion is more elongated, partly owing to
the development of a prenasal bone, and the zygomatic arch is
complete. The mandible is very deep in the middle, and is drawn out
into a long spout-like process in front.
Anteaters (Myrmecophagidae) have a much modified skull, and this is
especially the case in the Great Anteater, _Myrmecophaga_. The skull
is smooth and evenly-rounded, in these respects recalling that of
_Echidna_, but it is longer and tapers much more gradually than in
_Echidna_. The occipital condyles are remarkably large. The premaxillae
are small, and the long rostrum is chiefly composed of the maxillae and
nasals with the mesethmoid and vomer. The zygomatic arch is
incomplete, and there is no trace of a separation between the orbit
and the temporal fossa. The palate is much elongated, the pterygoids
meeting in the middle line just like the palatines. The mandible is
very long and slender, there being no definite coronoid process, and a
short and slight symphysis. The hyoid arch is noticeable for the
length of the anterior cornu.
In the Armadillos (Dasypodidae) the skull varies a good deal in shape,
but the facial portion is always tapering and depressed. The zygomatic
arch is complete. In _Dasypus_ and _Chlamydophorus_ the tympanic bulla
is well ossified.
In the Glyptodontidae the skull is very short and deep; the zygomatic
arch is complete, and has a long downwardly projecting maxillary
process. The mandible is massive, and has a very high ascending
portion.
In the Manidae the skull is smooth and rounded, the zygomatic arch is
incomplete, and the orbit is inconspicuous. The palate is long and
narrow, but the pterygoids do not take part in its formation. The
mandible is slightly developed and has no angle or coronoid process.
In _Orycteropus_ the zygomatic arch is complete, and there is a small
postorbital process to the frontal. The mandible is well-developed,
having a coronoid process and definite ascending portion, and the
hyoid is well ossified.
SIRENIA. The skull, and especially the brain case of all Sirenia, is
remarkable for the general density of the component bones, which,
though often very thick, are without air sinuses. It is noticeable
also for the roughness of the bones, and the irregular manner in which
they are united together.
[Illustration FIG. 92. LATERAL VIEW OF THE SKULL OF _Rhytina stelleri_
× 1/8. (Brit. Mus.)
1. frontal.
2. parietal.
3. zygomatic process of the squamosal.
4. squamosal.
5. exoccipital.
6. occipital condyle.
7. pterygoid process of the alisphenoid.
8. jugal.
9. premaxillae.
10. angle of the mandible.
11. maxillae.]
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